For this episode, we talk with Pedro.  

Pedro was 52 years old when he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2021. Apart from taking his PSA tests since his late 40s (due to his family history), this early detection is also thanks to his great GP who encouraged him to see a specialist when his PSA results started to fluctuate.  

Pedro, however, had a unique predicament.  

He had a history of extensive bowel surgery which was important to consider when choosing the next course of action (surgery). Will robotic prostatectomy work? How about the Cyberknife or even the Nanoknife?  

After tons of research, interviews, and complete dedication of his healthcare team, Pedro was confident enough to opt for an open prostatectomy - an operation that is not often considered now for patients with Prostate Cancer. This was considered the best approach with his history. 

His operation took 3 to 4 hours, and he was out of the hospital after 4-5 days.  

What were the worries of Pedro during the operation? What made him confident about this choice? Did he have infections post-surgery? How are his continence and sexual function today?  

All of these questions and more will be answered by Pedro. 

A few key takeaways that Pedro would like to share with everyone listening are to NOT be afraid to go to your medical team with a list of questions. And another is (which we also always reiterate) to GET TO IT early, take your tests - since early detection      opens more available solutions for you.   

Our big takeaway is not one treatment is best for everyone, your case is unique and needs to be considered as such.  

To listen to Pedro and his journey of open prostatectomy and after, click the button below.  

Resources: 

Episode on stomas - https://thepenisproject.org/94-steve-and-his-drive-to-change-lives-for-patients-with-stomas/ 

Buy your Vacurect Pump - https://rshealth.com.au/product/vacurect-penis-pump/  

And if you find this episode helpful, please share it with your folks or networks. One way for us to aid those suffering in silence is to share information that could help them.

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Websites:

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/

http://prost.com.au/

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/

Music

David Mercy

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg

Producer

Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process

https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi